Mobile terminal

ABSTRACT

A mobile terminal is provided that includes a body to be mountable to a first charging apparatus, a current generator to generate an induction current by using a current of the first charging apparatus, and a wireless charger between the current generator and the battery to charge the battery by converting the induction current into a direct current. The mobile terminal may also include a connection port to be electrically connected to the battery and being connectable to a power supply terminal of a second charging apparatus, and a power charging controller to disconnect an electrically connected status between the wireless charger and the battery when the power supply terminal is electrically connected to the connection port.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/325,636, filed Dec. 14, 2011, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 to Korean Application No. 10-2010-0137183, filed Dec. 28,2010, the subject matters of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Embodiments may relate to a mobile terminal that charges a battery in awired manner or in a wireless manner.

2. Background

A terminal may be a mobile (portable) terminal or a stationary terminalbased on a moveable state. The mobile terminal may also be a handheldterminal or a vehicle mount terminal based on a user's carriage method.

The terminal may support complicated functions such as capturing imagesor video, reproducing music or video files, playing games, receivingbroadcast signals, and/or the like. By comprehensively and collectivelyimplementing such functions, the mobile terminal may be embodied in theform of a multimedia player. Attempts have been made to implementcomplicated functions by means of hardware or software.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Arrangements and embodiments may be described in detail with referenceto the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to likeelements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment;

FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a mobile terminal connected tofirst and second charging apparatuses;

FIG. 4 is a disassembled perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG.2B;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating wireless charging and wiredcharging of a mobile terminal;

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the mobile terminal of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a graph of voltage charging of the mobile terminal of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of simultaneous charging of the mobileterminal of FIG. 8; and

FIGS. 10A and 10B are circuit diagrams of a mobile terminal according toan embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Description may be provided in detail of exemplary embodiments, withreference to accompanying drawings. For ease of description withreference to the drawings, same or equivalent components may be providedwith the same reference numbers, and a description thereof may not berepeated.

A mobile terminal may include a portable phone, a smart phone, a laptopcomputer, a digital broadcasting terminal, Personal Digital Assistants(PDA), Portable Multimedia Player (PMP), a navigation system, and/oretc.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal according to anembodiment. Other embodiments and configurations may also be provided.

The mobile terminal 100 may include components, such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an Audio/Video (A/V) input unit 120, a userinput unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output module 150, a memory 160,an interface unit 170, a controller 180, a power supply unit 190 and/orthe like. FIG. 1 shows the mobile terminal 100 having variouscomponents, although it is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer componentsmay alternatively be implemented.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more componentsthat permit wireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 anda wireless communication system, or between the mobile terminal 100 anda network within which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example,the wireless communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receivingmodule 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless internetmodule 113, a short-range communication module 114, a locationinformation module 115 (or position information module) and/or the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 may receive a broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managingentity via a broadcast channel.

The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrialchannel. The broadcast managing entity may indicate a server thatgenerates and transmits a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation or a server that receives a pre-generated broadcast signaland/or broadcast associated information and sends them to the mobileterminal. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcastsignal, a radio broadcast signal, and/or a data broadcast signal, forexample. The broadcast signal may further include a data broadcastsignal combined with a TV or a radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information may indicate information relatingto broadcast channels, broadcast programs or broadcast serviceproviders. Further, the broadcast associated information may be providedvia a mobile communication network and may be received by the mobilecommunication module 112.

The broadcast associated information may be implemented in variousformats. For example, broadcast associated information may include anElectronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB),Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld(DVB-H), and/or the like.

The broadcast receiving module 111 may receive digital broadcast signalstransmitted from various types of broadcast systems. Such broadcastsystems may include Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T),Digital Multimedia Broadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward LinkOnly (MediaFLO), Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), IntegratedServices Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) and/or the like. Thebroadcast receiving module 111 may be suitable for a broadcast systemthat transmits broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcastingsystems.

Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated information received viathe broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in a suitable device,such as a memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 may transmit/receive wirelesssignals to/from at least one of network entities (e.g., base station, anexternal terminal, a server, etc.) on a mobile communication network.The wireless signals may include an audio call signal, a video callsignal, and/or various formats of data according totransmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless internet module 113 may support wireless Internet accessfor the mobile terminal 100. This wireless internet module 113 may beinternally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Examples ofthe wireless Internet access may include Wireless LAN (WLAN) (Wi-Fi),Wireless Broadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access(Wimax), High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) and/or the like.

The short-range communication module 114 may denote a module forshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing theshort-range communication module 114 may include BLUETOOTH, RadioFrequency IDentification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA),Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee and/or the like.

The location information module 115 may be a module for detecting orcalculating a position of a mobile terminal. An example of the locationinformation module 115 may include a Global Position System (GPS)module.

The A/V input unit 120 may provide audio or video signal input to themobile terminal 100. The A/V input unit 120 may include a camera 121 anda microphone 122. The camera 121 may receive and process image frames ofstill pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a video (telephony)call mode or a capturing mode. The processed image frames may bedisplayed on a display 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory160 or may be transmitted to an exterior via the wireless communicationunit 110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided based on a useenvironment of the mobile terminal 100.

The microphone 122 may receive an external audio signal while the mobileterminal 100 is in a particular mode, such as a phone call mode, arecording mode, a voice recognition mode and/or the like. This audiosignal may be processed into digital data. The processed digital datamay be converted for output into a format transmittable to a mobilecommunication base station via the mobile communication module 112 incase of the phone call mode. The microphone 122 may include assortednoise removing algorithms to remove noise (or cancel noise) generated inthe course of receiving the external audio signal.

The user input unit 130 may generate input data input by a user tocontrol operations of the mobile terminal 100. The user input unit 130may include a keypad, a dome switch, a touchpad (e.g., staticpressure/capacitance), a jog wheel, a jog switch and/or the like. Whenthe touch pad has a layered structure with the display 151, this may bereferred to as a touch screen.

The sensing unit 140 may provide status measurements of various aspectsof the mobile terminal 100. For example, the sensing unit 140 may detectan open/close status of the mobile terminal 100, a change in a locationof the mobile terminal 100, a presence or absence of user contact withthe mobile terminal 100, an orientation of the mobile terminal 100,acceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal 100 and/or the like, soas to generate a sensing signal for controlling operations of the mobileterminal 100. For example, regarding a slide-type mobile terminal, thesensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobileterminal 100 is open or closed. Other examples include sensingfunctions, such as the sensing unit 140 sensing presence or absence ofpower provided by the power supply unit 190, presence or the absence ofa coupling or other connection between the interface unit 170 and anexternal device and/or the like. The sensing unit 140 may include aproximity sensor 141 that will be described below in relation to a touchscreen.

The output unit 150 may output an audio signal, a video signal and/or analarm signal. The output unit 150 may include a display 151, an audiooutput module 152, an alarm 153, a haptic module 154 and/or the like.

The display 151 may output information processed in the mobile terminal100. For example, when the mobile terminal 100 is operating in a phonecall mode, the display 151 may provide a User Interface (UI) or aGraphic User Interface (GUI) that includes information associated withthe call. As another example, if the mobile terminal 100 is in a videocall mode or a capturing mode, the display 151 may additionally oralternatively display images captured and/or received.

The display 151 may include at least one of a Liquid Crystal Display(LCD), a Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display (TFT-LCD), anOrganic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), a flexible display and/or athree-dimensional (3D) display.

Some of the displays may be transparent such that it is possible to seethe exterior therethrough. These displays may be called transparentdisplays. A representative example of the transparent display mayinclude a Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) and/or thelike. The rear surface portion of the display unit 151 may also beimplemented to be optically transparent. Under this configuration, auser can view an object positioned at a rear side of a body through aregion occupied by the display unit 151 of the body.

The display 151 may be implemented to include two or more displaysaccording to a configured aspect of the mobile terminal 100. Forexample, a plurality of displays may be arranged on one surfaceintegrally or separately and/or may be arranged on different surfaces.

If the display 151 and a touch sensitive sensor (referred to as a touchsensor) have a layered structure therebetween, the structure may bereferred to as a touch screen. The display 151 may be used as an inputdevice rather than an output device. The touch sensor may be implementedas a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad and/or the like.

The touch sensor may convert changes of a pressure applied to a specificpart of the display 151, or a capacitance occurring from a specific partof the display 151, into electric input signals. The touch sensor maysense not only a touched position and a touched area, but also a touchedpressure.

When touch inputs are sensed by the touch sensors, corresponding signalsmay be transmitted to a touch controller. The touch controller mayprocess the received signals, and then transmit corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display 151 has been touched.

A proximity sensor 141 may be provided at an inner region of the mobileterminal 100 covered by the touch screen, or near the touch screen. Theproximity sensor 141 may sense presence or absence of an objectapproaching a surface to be sensed, or an object disposed near a surfaceto be sensed, by using an electromagnetic field or infrared rays withouta mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141 may have a longerlifespan and a more enhanced utility than a contact sensor.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a transmissive type photoelectricsensor, a direct reflective type photoelectric sensor, a mirrorreflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillationproximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic typeproximity sensor, an infrared ray proximity sensor and/or so on. Whenthe touch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, proximity of apointer to the touch screen may be sensed by changes of anelectromagnetic field. In this example, the touch screen (or touchsensor) may be categorized as a proximity sensor.

Accordingly, if the pointer is in proximity to the touch screen withoutcontacting the touch screen, a position of the pointer and a distancebetween the pointer and the touch screen may be detected. Hereinafter,for ease of explanation, a status that the pointer is positioned to beproximate to the touch screen without contact may be referred to as aproximity touch, whereas a status that the pointer substantially comesin contact with the touch screen may be referred to as a contact touch.For the position corresponding to the proximity touch of the pointer onthe touch screen, such position may correspond to a position where thepointer faces perpendicular to the touch screen upon the proximity touchof the pointer.

The proximity sensor 141 may sense a proximity touch, and proximitytouch patterns (e.g., distance, direction, speed, time, position, movingstatus, etc.). Information relating to the sensed proximity touch andthe sensed proximity touch patterns may be output onto the touch screen.

The audio output module 152 may output audio data received from thewireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160, in acall-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voicerecognition mode, a broadcast reception mode and/or so on. The audiooutput module 152 may output audio signals relating to functionsperformed in the mobile terminal 100 (e.g., sound alarming a callreceived or a message received and so on). The audio output module 152may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer and/or so on.

The alarm 153 may output signals notifying occurrence of events from themobile terminal 100. The events occurring from the mobile terminal 100may include a call received, a message received, a key signal input, atouch input and/or so on. The alarm 153 may output not only video oraudio signals, but also other types of signals such as signals notifyingoccurrence of events in a vibration manner. For example, the alarm 153may vibrate in response to the mobile terminal 100 receiving a call ormessage. As another example, when a key signal has been inputted, thealarm 153 may output vibration as a feedback of the key signal input.Through this vibration output, a user may recognize the occurrence of anevent. In order to output a signal in a vibration manner, the mobileterminal 100 may include a vibrator. The video signal or the audiosignal may be outputted through the display 151 or the audio outputmodule 152.

The haptic module 154 may generate various tactile effects that a usermay feel. A representative example of the tactile effects generated bythe haptic module 154 may include vibration. Vibration generated by thehaptic module 154 may have a controllable intensity, a controllablepattern and/or so on. For example, different vibration may be output ina synthesized manner or in a sequential manner.

The haptic module 154 may generate various tactile effects including notonly vibration, but also arrangement of pins vertically moving withrespect to a skin being touched (contacted), air injection force or airsuction force through an injection hole or a suction hole, touch by askin surface, presence or absence of contact with an electrode, effectsby stimulus such as an electrostatic force, reproduction of cold or hotfeeling using a heat absorbing device or a heat emitting device, and/orthe like.

The haptic module 154 may transmit tactile effects (signals) through auser's direct contact, or a user's muscular sense using a finger or ahand. The haptic module 154 may be implemented into two or more hapticmodules according to the configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store a program for processing and control of thecontroller 180. The memory 160 may temporarily store input/output data(e.g., phonebook data, messages, still images, video and/or the like).The memory 160 may store data relating to various patterns of vibrationsand audio output upon the touch input on the touch screen.

The memory 160 may be implemented using any type of suitable storagemedium including a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimediacard micro type, a memory card type (e.g., SD or DX memory), RandomAccess Memory (RAM), Static Random Access Memory (SRAM), Read-OnlyMemory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-only Memory(EEPROM), Programmable Read-only Memory (PROM), magnetic memory,magnetic disk, optical disk and/or the like. The mobile terminal 100 mayoperate a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory 160on the Internet.

The interface unit 170 may interface the mobile terminal 100 withexternal devices. The interface unit 170 may allow a data reception froman external device, a power delivery to each component in the mobileterminal 100, and/or a data transmission from the mobile terminal 100 toan external device. The interface unit 170 may include wired/wirelessheadset ports, external charger ports, wired/wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for coupling devices having an identification module,audio Input/Output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports and/orthe like, for example.

The identification module may be a chip for storing various informationrequired to authenticate an authority to use the mobile terminal 100,which may include a User Identity Module (UIM), a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM), a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and/or thelike. The device having the identification module (hereinafter referredto as an identification device) may be implemented as a type of smartcard. The identification device may be coupled to the mobile terminal100 via a port.

The interface unit 170 may serve as a path for power to be supplied froman external cradle to the mobile terminal 100 when the mobile terminal100 is connected to the external cradle or as a path for transferringvarious command signals inputted from the cradle by a user to the mobileterminal 100. Such various command signals or power inputted from thecradle may operate as signals for recognizing that the mobile terminal100 has accurately been mounted to the cradle.

The controller 180 may control overall operations of the mobile terminal100. For example, the controller 180 may perform control and processingassociated with telephony calls, data communications, video calls and/orthe like. The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 thatprovides multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may beconfigured as part of the controller 180 or as a separate component.

The controller 180 can perform a pattern recognition processing so as torecognize writing or drawing input on the touch screen as text or image.

The power supply unit 190 may serve to supply power to each component byreceiving external power or internal power under control of thecontroller 180. For example, the power supply unit 190 may include abattery 191, a connection port 192 and an integrated power controller193.

For example, the battery 191 may be implemented as a built-in batteryconfigured to be chargeable, and/or may be detachably coupled to aterminal body for charging, etc.

The connection port 192 may be configured as one example of theinterface unit 170 to which an external charger for supplying power forbattery charging is electrically connected. When the mobile terminal 100is connected to a charger, the connection port 192 may serve as apassage through which power from the charger is supplied to the mobileterminal 100. Alternatively, the connection port 192 may serve as apassage through which each type of command signals input from thecharger by a user are transmitted to the mobile terminal.

The integrated power controller 193 may supply power to main componentsof the mobile terminal 100, such as the controller 180, the memory 160and the wireless communication unit 110, by being connected to thebattery 191.

The power supply unit 190 may include a current generator 194 and awireless charger 195 for wirelessly charging. The current generator 194may generate an induction current by using a current of a wirelesscharging apparatus 310 of FIG. 3 (hereinafter referred to as a firstcharging apparatus). The wireless charger 195 may charge a battery byconverting the induction current into a direct current.

A power charging controller 196 may control charging by the power supplyunit 190. The power charging controller 196 may set wired charging andwireless charging.

Various embodiments may be implemented in a computer-readable mediumusing, for example, software, hardware, and/or some combination thereof.

For a hardware implementation, embodiments may be implemented within oneor more of Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), DigitalSignal Processors (DSPs), Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs),Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays(FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, micro processors,other electronic units designed to perform functions described herein,and/or a selective combination thereof. In some examples, suchembodiments may be implemented by the controller 180.

For software implementation, embodiments such as procedures andfunctions may be implemented together with separate software moduleseach of which may perform at least one of functions and operations. Thesoftware codes may be implemented with a software application written inany suitable programming language. The software codes may be stored inthe memory 160 and executed by the controller 180.

FIG. 2A is a front perspective view of the mobile terminal 100 FIG. 2Bis a rear perspective view of the mobile terminal of FIG. 2A.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the mobile terminal 200 is a bar typemobile terminal. However, embodiments are not limited to this, but maybe applied to a slide type in which two or more bodies are coupled toeach other so as to perform a relative motion, a folder type (or a swingtype), a swivel type and/or the like.

A case (casing, housing, cover, etc.) forming an outer appearance of abody may include a front case 201 and a rear case 202. A space formed bythe front case 201 and the rear case 202 may accommodate variouscomponents therein. At least one intermediate case may further beprovided between the front case 201 and the rear case 202.

Such cases may be formed by injection-molded synthetic resin, or may beformed using a metallic material such as stainless steel (STS) ortitanium (Ti).

A display 251, an audio output unit 252, a camera 221, user input units231 and 232, a microphone 222, an interface unit 270, etc. may beprovided at the front case 201.

The display 251 may occupy most of a main surface of the front case 201.The audio output unit 252 and the camera 221 may be arranged at a regionadjacent to one end of the display 251, and the user input unit 231 andthe microphone 222 may be arranged at a region adjacent to another endof the display 251. The user input unit 232, the interface unit 270,etc. may be arranged on side surfaces of the front case 201 and the rearcase 202.

The user input units 231 and 232 may be manipulated to receive a commandfor controlling the operation of the mobile terminal 200, and mayinclude a plurality of manipulation units. The manipulation units may bereferred to as manipulating portions, and may include any type of onesthat may be manipulated in a user's tactile manner.

Commands inputted through the first or second user input units 231 and232 may be variously set. For example, the first manipulation 231 may beconfigured to input commands such as START, END, SCROLL and/or the like,and the second manipulation unit 232 may input commands for controllinga level of sound outputted from the audio output unit 252, and/orcommands for converting the current mode of the display 251 to a touchrecognition mode. The display 251 may form a touch screen together witha touch sensor, and the touch screen may be one example of the userinput unit 230.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a camera 221′ may be additionally provided on therear case 202. The camera 221′ may face a direction that is opposite toa direction faced by the camera 221 (refer to FIG. 2A), and may havedifferent pixels from those of the camera 221.

For example, the camera 221 may operate with relatively lower pixels(lower resolution). Thus, the camera 221 may be useful when a user cancapture his face and send it to another party during a video call or thelike. On the other hand, the camera 221′ may operate with a relativelyhigher pixels (higher resolution) such that it may be useful for a userto obtain higher quality pictures for later use. The cameras 221 and221′ may be installed at the terminal body so as to rotate or pop-up.

A flash and a mirror may be additionally provided adjacent to the camera221′. The flash may operate in conjunction with the camera 221′ whentaking a picture using the camera 221′. The mirror may cooperate withthe camera 221′ to allow a user to photograph himself in a self-portraitmode.

An audio output unit 252′ may be additionally provided on a rear surfaceof the terminal body. The audio output unit 252′ may cooperate with theaudio output unit 252 (FIG. 2A) provided on a front surface of theterminal body so as to implement a stereo function. The audio outputunit 252′ may operate as a speakerphone.

A broadcast signal receiving antenna as well as an antenna for callingmay be additionally provided on a side surface of the terminal body. Thebroadcast signal receiving antenna of the broadcast receiving module 111may be configured to retract into the terminal body.

The rear case 202 may be further provided with a touch sensor fordetecting a touched status. Like the display 251, the touch sensor maybe formed to be transmissive. When the display 251 is configured tooutput visual information from two surfaces thereof, the visualinformation may be recognized through the touch sensor. The informationoutputted from the two surfaces may be controlled by the touch sensor.Differently from this, the touch sensor may be further provided with adisplay, and the touch screen may be arranged at the rear case 202.

Referring to FIG. 2A, an interface unit 270 may be provided on a sidesurface of the mobile terminal 200. The interface unit 270 may include aconnection port 292 to which a power supply terminal 320 (FIG. 3) may beelectrically connected. The power supply terminal 320 of a wiredcharging apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a second chargingapparatus) may supply power for charging a battery 291 (FIG. 4).

When the mobile terminal 200 is connected to the second chargingapparatus, the connection port 292 may serve as a passage through whichpower from the power supply terminal 320 of the second chargingapparatus is supplied to the mobile terminal 200.

The mobile terminal 200 may undergo a wired charging and/or a wirelesscharging. For charging of the mobile terminal 200, a charging mechanismfor charging based on priorities may be provided. The charging mechanismmay be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a mobile terminal connected tofirst charging apparatus and a second charging apparatus. FIG. 4 is adisassembled perspective view of the mobile terminal (of FIG. 2B). FIG.5 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless charging and a wiredcharging of a mobile terminal. FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of the mobileterminal of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a graph of a voltage charging of themobile terminal (of FIG. 4). Other embodiments and configurations mayalso be provided.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a mobile terminal 200 may be provided on thefirst charging apparatus 310, and may receive power for charging in awireless manner. A body of the mobile terminal 200 may receive a battery291, and the body may be provided on the first charging apparatus 310.The body of the mobile terminal 200 may receive power for charging byusing an induction current.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first charging apparatus 310 may include analternating current (AC) generator 311 and a primary coil 312. The ACgenerator 311 may be connected to the primary coil 312, and the ACgenerator 311 may generate an AC power. Once the AC power is applied tothe primary coil 312, a peripheral magnetic field may be provided.

A current generator 294 may formed at the terminal body. The currentgenerator 294 may generate an induction current based on a current ofthe first charging apparatus 310. The current generator 294 may beprovided with a secondary coil 294 a, and may generate an inductioncurrent by using an electromagnetic field of the primary coil 312.

The current generator 294 may be electrically connected to the wirelesscharger 295. The wireless charger 295 may be provided between thecurrent generator 294 and the battery 291, and the wireless charger 295may charge the battery 291 by converting an induction current into adirect current.

The current generator 294 and the wireless charger 295 may be providedat the mobile terminal. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, anaccommodation space 291 a for accommodating the battery 291 may beprovided on one surface of the terminal body, and a cover 203 forcovering the accommodation space 291 a may be provided at the terminalbody.

The battery 291 may be detachably coupled to the accommodation space 291a. A connection terminal for connecting to the battery 291 may beprovided at the accommodation space 291 a so as to supply power to atleast one component of the mobile terminal. The cover 203 may bedetachably coupled to the terminal body. However, embodiments are notlimited to this arrangement. That is, the cover 203 may be attached tothe terminal body.

At least one of the current generator 294 or the wireless charger 295may be formed at the cover 203. Both the current generator 294 and thewireless charger 295 may be provided at the cover 203. However, only thecurrent generator 294 may be formed at the cover 203 and the wirelesscharger 295 may be provided in the terminal body.

Once the current generator 294 and/or the wireless charger 295 areprovided in the cover 203, a wireless charging may be performed when thecover 203 is provided to face the first charging apparatus 310. A usermay view a current charging status on the display 251.

FIG. 4 shows that connection terminals 204 and 205 (i.e., a first set ofconnection terminals and a second set of connection terminals)corresponding to each other may be provided at the cover 203 and thebody, so as to electrically connect at least one of the currentgenerator 294 or the wireless charger 295 to the body when the cover 203is provided to the body.

The connection terminals 204 and 205 may be 5V input terminals 204 a and205 a, ground connection terminals 204 b and 205 b, and/or signalterminals 204 c, 205 c, 204 d and 205 d. The 5V input terminals 204 aand 205 a may supply a direct current of the wireless charger 295 to thebody. The signal terminals may include the signal terminals 204 c and205 c for transmitting a full charging signal, and the signal terminals204 d and 205 d for transmitting a V-adapter signal.

The body side connection terminal 205 may be mounted to a circuit boardprovided in the case, and the circuit board may be electricallyconnected to the battery 291. The circuit board may be implemented asone example of the controller 180 for operating each function of themobile terminal.

Electronic devices such as a display (or display device) may be mountedto the circuit board, and the electronic devices may receive power fromthe battery 291. Electronic devices for charging the battery 291 may bemounted to the circuit board, and may be electrically connected toconnection terminals of the accommodation space 291 a.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the connection port 292 provided on onesurface of the terminal body may be connected to the power supplyterminal 320 of the second charging apparatus, and may be electricallyconnected to the battery 291.

A power charging controller 296 may be provided at the terminal body(e.g., at the circuit board). The power charging controller 296 maydisconnect an electrically connected status between the wireless charger295 and the battery 291 when the power supply terminal 320 is connectedto the connection port 292.

As shown in FIG. 6, the power charging controller 296 may include aswitching unit 297 and a signal generating unit 298.

The switching unit 297 may change a first connection line 282 on or offbetween the wireless charger 295 and the battery 291. The switching unit297 may connect or disconnect the first connection line 282. The firstconnection line 282 may be an electric wire that includes the wirelesscharger 295, the switching unit 297, a Power Management IntegratedCircuit (PMIC) 284 and the battery 291.

The switching unit 297 may include a first overvoltage preventingcircuit 297 a to switch the first connection line 282 off (i.e.,disconnect the first connection line 282) when an overvoltage is at thewireless charger 295. The first overvoltage preventing circuit 297 a maybe connected to the signal generating unit 298 so as to change the firstconnection line 282 off by an OFF signal.

The signal generating unit 298 may be provided on a second connectionline 283 between the connection port 292 and the battery 291. The secondconnection line 283 may be an electric wire that includes the connectionportion 292, the signal generating unit 298, the Power ManagementIntegrated Circuit (PMIC) 284 and the battery 291. At the secondconnection line 283, a second overvoltage preventing circuit 297 b maybe provided for switching the second connection line 283 off (i.e.,disconnect the second connection line 283) when an overvoltage isapplied to the second connection line 283.

The signal generating unit 298 may transmit an OFF signal to theswitching unit 297 when the power supply terminal 320 (FIG. 4) isconnected to the connection port 292. More specifically, the signalgenerating unit 298 may generate an OFF signal when power is supplied tothe connection port 292 through the power supply terminal 320.

Referring to FIG. 6, the signal generating unit 298 may have a pluralityof resistances, and a signal connection line 285 may diverge between theresistances. Under this configuration, when receiving 5V from theconnection port 292, the signal generating unit 298 may generate an OFFsignal, such as 3.5V.

The signal connection line 285 may be connected to the first overvoltagepreventing circuit 297 a. For example, the signal connection line 285may be connected to an Enable (EN) terminal of the first overvoltagepreventing circuit 297 a from the signal generating unit 298. As thefirst overvoltage preventing circuit 297 a is operated by an OFF signal,an electrical connected status of the first connection line 282 may bedisconnected (i.e., the first connection line 282 is switched off).

Once a wired charging is performed, a wireless charging may not beperformed any longer. A charging mechanism may provide priorities tocharging methods.

The power charging controller 296 may include a signal transmission line286. The signal transmission line 286 may diverge from the signalconnection line 285, and may be connected to the signal terminal 205 dfor transmitting an OFF signal to the first charging apparatus. Once thepower supply terminal 320 is connected to the connection port 292, anOFF signal may be transmitted to the first charging apparatus 310 (FIG.4) through the signal transmission line 286. Under this configuration,the first charging apparatus 310 may be turned off.

Referring to FIG. 6, the power charging controller 296 may include adelay circuit 299. The delay circuit 299 may delay a power supplythrough the second connection line 283 for a preset time when an OFFsignal has been transmitted to the switching unit 297.

The delay circuit 299 may include an RC circuit, for example, and may beconnected to the second overvoltage preventing circuit 297 b. A voltagechange may occur before and after the second connection line 283 startsto perform the power supply based on the delay circuit 299.

Referring to FIG. 7, when a wired charging starts to be performed duringa wireless charging, the wireless charging may be stopped by an OFFsignal (OS). As a result, a charging voltage of the first chargingapparatus 310 may be lowered from ‘5V’ to ‘0V’. If there is no delaycircuit 299, a charging voltage of the second charging apparatus maychange from ‘0V’ to ‘5V’. Accordingly, a total charging voltage (TV) maybe maintained as 5V. This may cause the mobile terminal to not preciselydetect a connected status of the second charging apparatus.

If a time taken to change a charging voltage of the second chargingapparatus into ‘5V’ from ‘0V’ is delayed by the delay circuit 299, atotal charging voltage (TV) may change. Based on the change of the totalcharging voltage, the power charging controller 296 may detect aconnected status of the power supply terminal 320 (of the secondcharging apparatus) to the connection port 292.

Based on the change of the total charging voltage, the power chargingcontroller 296 may disconnect an electrically connected status of thefirst connection line 282 when the power supply terminal 320 isconnected to the connection port 292, but may also maintain theelectrically connected status of the first connection line 282 when adata supply terminal is connected to the connection port 292. The datasupply terminal may be a USB and/or so on. In a status that a USB isconnected to the mobile terminal, the wireless charging may bemaintained.

A mechanism for implementing simultaneous charging according to anembodiment may now be provided.

FIG. 8 is a view of a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. FIG. 9is a circuit diagram of simultaneous charging of the mobile terminal ofFIG. 8. Same configurations as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 3to 7 may not be explained for ease of description. Other embodiments andconfigurations may also be provided.

FIG. 8 shows that a user input unit 431 for receiving a control commandmay be provided on a surface of the body. A selection window 451 a forselecting the control command may pop-up on a display 451 when the powersupply terminal 320 (of the second charging apparatus) is connected tothe connection port 292. The display 451 may detect a touch input. Thedisplay 451 may also play a role of the user input unit 431.

An input control command may be a command for selecting simultaneouscharging by the first charging apparatus and the second chargingapparatus. High-speed charging may be implemented by a simultaneouscharging. Visual information may be displayed on the selection window451 a for informing high-speed charging and a user's selection.

A user may select a single charging by the wired charging apparatus orsimultaneous charging by the wired charging apparatus and the wirelesscharging apparatus. If a high-speed charging is not selected by theuser, the mobile terminal may perform a single charging.

The mobile terminal may be preset to one of a simultaneous charging or asingle charging. According to a user's manipulation, a display maydisplay a menu window for selecting a simultaneous charging. Through themenu window, the user may select a simultaneous charge or not. That is,a single charging or a simultaneous charging may be set by the user.

Hardware for implementing both a single charging and a simultaneouscharging may be explained with reference to FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 shows a power charging controller 496 that may be configured tobe turned on/off by a control command so as to perform a simultaneouscharging by the first charging apparatus and the second chargingapparatus. The control command may be a command inputted by a user'sselection as shown in FIG. 8.

Referring to FIG. 9, a first connection line 482 may include a wirelesscharger 495, a switching unit 497, a first charging integrated circuit484 a (Charger IC) and a battery 491. A second connection line 483 mayinclude a connection port 492, a signal generating unit 498, a secondcharging integrated circuit 484 b and the battery 491. The secondcharging integrated circuit 484 b may be implemented as a part of anintegrated power management circuit 484. Accordingly, the first andsecond charging integrated circuits 484 a and 484 b for controllingcharging of the battery 491 may be provided at the first and secondconnection lines 482 and 483, respectively.

If the first and second charging integrated circuits 484 a and 484 b arenot provided at the first and second connection lines 482 and 483,respectively, a potential difference may occur at the first and secondconnection lines 482 and 483. Due to this potential difference, chargingmay be performed through one connection line having a high voltage ofthe two connection lines 482 and 483.

The power charging controller 496 may include a control switch 496 aprovided between the switching unit 497 and the signal generating unit498. The control switch 496 a may be switched (or changed) so as toprevent an OFF signal from being transmitted to the switching unit 497when a control command is input to the user input unit. For example, thecontrol switch 496 a may be switched (or changed) so as to connect ordisconnect a signal connection line 485. If a user selects a high-speedcharging, the control switch 496 a may be switched (or changed) so as todisconnect the signal connection line 485. In this example, a wirelesscharging is not stopped, but rather may be continuously performed.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are circuit diagrams of a mobile terminal according toan embodiment. Other embodiments and configurations may also be provided

Referring to FIG. 10A, a first charging integrated circuit 684 a may beprovided between a wireless charger 695 and a battery 691, and the firstcharging integrated circuit 684 a may be turned on or off by a powercharging controller 696. Under this configuration, a single charging (bythe second charging apparatus) or a simultaneous charging (by the firstand second charging apparatuses) may be set.

A second charging integrated circuit 684 b may be provided between aconnection port 692 and the battery 691. The second charging integratedcircuit 684 b may control charging of the battery 691.

The power charging controller 696 may be electrically connected to theconnection port 692, and may control the first charging integratedcircuit 684 a on or off by detecting power supplied from the connectionport 692.

The power charging controller 696 may transmit an ON signal or an OFFsignal to the first charging integrated circuit 684 a based on a user'ssetting and whether a power supply through the connection port 692 hasbeen performed. The following combinations may be implemented.

TA Turbo Control Wireless Charger /EN signal No don't care On Low Nodon't care On Low Yes No Off High Yes Yes On Low

According to the combinations, once a user selects a simultaneouscharging, the first charging integrated circuit 684 a may operate. As aresult, a high-speed charging may be performed.

As shown in FIG. 10A, a cover 603 may include the wireless charger 69and a secondary coil 694. A first charging apparatus 710 may include anAC generator 711 and a primary coil 712.

FIG. 10B is a circuit for setting a simultaneous charging. Referring toFIG. 10B, an operation of a first charging integrated circuit 884 a maybe controlled by applying a signal to a General Purpose Input Output(GPIO) in a reverse manner.

FIG. 10B also shows the first charging integrated circuit 884 a providedbetween a wireless charger 895 and a battery 891. A second chargingintegrated circuit 884 b may be provided between a connection port 892and the battery 891.

A cover 803 may include a wireless charger 895 and a secondary coil 894.A first charging apparatus 910 may include an AC generator 911 and aprimary coil 912.

Embodiments may have advantages.

A mobile terminal may provide a priority to a wired charging bydisconnecting an electrical connected status of a wireless charging by apower charging controller when power is supplied through the wiredcharging apparatus.

The mobile terminal may detect, through a delay circuit, that the powersupply terminal of the wired charging apparatus has been connectedthereto during a wireless charging. This may allow a wireless chargingto be maintained when the data supply terminal is connected to themobile terminal.

The mobile terminal may perform, through a plurality of chargingintegrated circuits, both a single charging by the wired chargingapparatus, and a simultaneous charging by the wired charging apparatusand the wireless charging apparatus. One of the single charging and thesimultaneous charging may be set by a user's selection. This may enhancea user's convenience.

A charging mechanism capable of charging a mobile terminal may beprovided based on priorities.

A mobile terminal may be provided that is capable of being charged morerapidly and with more reliability.

A mobile terminal may include a body having a battery and configured tobe mountable to a first charging apparatus. A current generator may bemounted to the body and may be configured to generate an inductioncurrent by using a current of the first charging apparatus. A wirelesscharger may be disposed between the current generator and the batteryand may be configured to charge the battery by converting the inductioncurrent into a direct current. The mobile terminal may also include aconnection port disposed on one surface of the body, electricallyconnected to the battery and to which a power supply terminal of thesecond charging apparatus is connectable. A power charging controllermay disconnect an electrical connected status between the wirelesscharger and the battery when the power supply terminal is connected tothe connection port.

The power charging controller may include a switching unit to switchon/off a first connection line between the wireless charger and thebattery, and a signal generating unit disposed on a second connectionline between the connection port and the battery, and configured totransmit an OFF signal to the switching unit when the power supplyterminal is connected to the connection port.

A user input unit for inputting a control command may be provided on asurface of the body. The power charging controller may be turned on/offby the control command such that the mobile terminal is simultaneouslycharged by the first and second charging apparatuses.

An accommodation space for accommodating the battery may be formed on asurface of the body. A cover for covering the accommodation space may bemounted to the body. One of the current generator and the wirelesscharger may be formed at the cover.

A mobile terminal may also include a body having a battery andconfigured to be mountable to a first charging apparatus. A currentgenerator may be mounted to the body and may be configured to generatean induction current by using a current of the first charging apparatus.A wireless charger may be disposed between the current generator and thebattery and may be configured to charge the battery by converting theinduction current into a direct current. The mobile terminal may alsoinclude a first charging integrated circuit disposed between thewireless charger and the battery and may be configured to controlcharging of the battery. A connection port may be mounted to the body,and may be electrically connected to the battery and to which a powersupply terminal of the second charging apparatus is connectable. A powercharging controller may be configured to control on/off of the firstcharging integrated circuit such that either a single charging by thesecond charging apparatus or a simultaneous charging by the first andsecond charging apparatuses is set.

A mobile terminal may include a body having a battery and configured tobe mountable to a first charging apparatus. A current generator may bemounted to the body and may be configured to generate an inductioncurrent by using a current of the first charging apparatus. A wirelesscharger may be disposed between the current generator and the batteryand may be configured to charge the battery by converting the inductioncurrent into a direct current. The mobile terminal may also include aconnection port disposed on one surface of the body, electricallyconnected to the battery and to which a power supply terminal and a datasupply terminal are connectable. A power charging controller maydisconnect an electrical connected status of the wireless charger to thebattery when the power supply terminal is connected to the connectionport, but may maintain the electrical connected status of the wirelesscharger to the battery when the data supply terminal is connected to theconnection port.

Any reference in this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” “example embodiment,” etc., means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Theappearances of such phrases in various places in the specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within thepurview of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, orcharacteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number ofillustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerousother modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled inthe art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles ofthis disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modificationsare possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subjectcombination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawingsand the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications inthe component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also beapparent to those skilled in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile terminal, comprising: a body to supporta battery and the body to be provided on a first charging apparatus; acurrent generator provided in the body to generate an induction currentbased on a current of the first charging apparatus; a wireless chargerbetween the current generator and the battery to charge the battery byconverting the induction current into a direct current; a connectionport provided on the body, the connection port being connectable to apower supply terminal of a second charging apparatus, and the connectionport to electrically connect the battery to the second chargingapparatus; and a power charging controller to disconnect an electricallyconnected status between the wireless charger and the battery when thepower supply terminal is electrically connected to the connection port.2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the mobile terminal includesa first connection line between the battery and the wireless charger,and a second connection line between the battery and the connectionport, and the power charging controller includes: a switching unit tochange a connection status of the first connection line between thewireless charger and the battery; and a signal generating unit on thesecond connection line between the connection port and the battery, andthe signal generating unit to provide an OFF signal to the switchingunit when the power supply terminal is electrically connected to theconnection port.
 3. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein theswitching unit includes a first overvoltage preventing circuit todisconnect the first connection line when an overvoltage is provided atthe wireless charger, and wherein the first overvoltage preventingcircuit is connected to the signal generating unit to disconnect thefirst connection line based on the OFF signal from the signal generatingunit.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the power chargingcontroller further includes a signal transmission line that divergesfrom a signal connection line between the first overvoltage preventingcircuit and the signal generating unit, and wherein the OFF signal isprovided to the first charging apparatus through the signal transmissionline when the power supply terminal is electrically connected to theconnection port.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 2, wherein the powercharging controller further includes a delay circuit to delay a powersupply through the second connection line for a preset time when the OFFsignal is provided to the switching unit.
 6. The mobile terminal ofclaim 5, wherein a voltage change occurs before and after the secondconnection line starts to perform a power supply by the delay circuit,and wherein the power charging controller detects a connection of thesecond charging apparatus to the power supply terminal based on thevoltage change.
 7. The mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein based on thevoltage change, the power charging controller disconnects theelectrically connected status between the wireless charger and thebattery when the power supply terminal is connected to the connectionport, and the power charging controller maintains the electricallyconnected status between the wireless charger and the battery when adata supply terminal is connected to the connection port.
 8. The mobileterminal of claim 3, wherein the switching unit further includes asecond overvoltage preventing circuit to disconnect the secondconnection line when an overvoltage is provided at the second connectionline, and wherein a delay circuit is connected to the second overvoltagepreventing circuit.
 9. The mobile terminal of claim 1, furthercomprising a user input unit provided on the body to input a controlcommand, and wherein the power charging controller is controlled basedon the control command such that the mobile terminal is simultaneouslycharged by the first charging apparatus and the second chargingapparatus.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 9, wherein a firstconnection line electrically connects the wireless charger and thebattery, and a second connection line electrically connects theconnection port and the battery, and wherein a first charging integratedcircuit is provided at the first connection line and a second chargingintegrated circuit is provided at the second connection line.
 11. Themobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the power charging controllercontrols an ON/OFF status of the first charging integrated circuit. 12.The mobile terminal of claim 9, further comprising a display provided onthe body to display visual information, and wherein the display displaysa pop-up selection window to select the control command when a powersupply terminal is connected to the connection port.
 13. The mobileterminal of claim 9, wherein the power charging controller includes: aswitching unit to connect or disconnect a first connection line betweenthe wireless charger and the battery; a signal generating unit totransmit an OFF signal to the switching unit when the power supplyterminal is connected to the connection port; and a control switchbetween the switching unit and the signal generating unit, and thecontrol switch is changed to prevent the OFF signal from being providedto the switching unit when the control command is input to the userinput unit.
 14. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising: anaccommodation space on the body to receive the battery; a cover to coverthe accommodation space, wherein at least one of the current generatoror the wireless charger is formed on the cover.
 15. The mobile terminalof claim 14, wherein a first set of connection terminals are provided atthe cover and a second set of connection terminals are provided at thebody, so as to electrically connect the current generator or thewireless charger to the body when the cover is provided to the body. 16.A mobile terminal, comprising: a body to receive a battery and to beprovided on a first charging apparatus; a current generator provided inthe body to generate an induction current based on a current of thefirst charging apparatus; a wireless charger between the currentgenerator and the battery to charge the battery by converting theinduction current into a direct current; a first charging integratedcircuit between the wireless charger and the battery to control chargingof the battery; a connection port provided on the body, the connectionport being connectable to a power supply terminal of a second chargingapparatus and the connection part to electrically connect to the batteryto the second charging apparatus; and a power charging controller tocontrol the first charging integrated circuit such that either a singlecharging of the battery by the second charging apparatus is provided ora simultaneous charging of the battery by the first charging apparatusand the second charging apparatus is provided.
 17. The mobile terminalof claim 16, wherein the single charging or the simultaneous charging isset by a user's selection.
 18. The mobile terminal of claim 17, furthercomprising a second charging integrated circuit between the connectionport and the battery to control charging of the battery.
 19. The mobileterminal of claim 16, wherein the power charging controller to transmitan ON signal or an OFF signal to the first charging integrated circuitbased on a user's setting and based on whether the power supply terminalis connected to the connection port.
 20. A mobile terminal, comprising:a body to receive a battery and to be provided on a first chargingapparatus; a current generator provided in the body to generate aninduction current based on a current of the first charging apparatus; awireless charger between the current generator and the battery to chargethe battery by converting the induction current into a direct current; aconnection port provided on the body, the connection port toelectrically connect to the battery, and the connection port beingconnectable to a power supply terminal and a data supply terminal; and apower charging controller to electrically disconnect a connection of thewireless charger to the battery when the power supply terminal iselectrically connected to the connection port, and the power chargingcontroller to maintain an electrical connection of the connectionbetween the wireless charger to the battery when the data supplyterminal is connected to the connection port.